Audi has changed the E-Tron name to Q8 E-Tron to make the buyers ascertain that this is the German automaker’s star utility vehicle. It is available in both standard boxy style and Sportback layouts.
New Design
Starting with the front design, it now features a self-sealing system and electric shutters on the front, along with new signature lamps for the headlights.
The underbody wheel spoilers are also altered. The front ones on the standard boxy Q8 E-Tron are bigger than before. Moreover, the Q8 Sportback E-Tron now gets these aero elements both on the front and back. The SQ8 Sportback E-Tron merely includes wheel spoilers at the rear.
Comparing the new Q8 E-Tron with the previous model, it arrives with a drag coefficient of 0.27 instead of 0.28 previously. The Sportback’s number falls to 0.24 from 0.26.
Powertrain And Batteries
The new 2023 Q8 E-Tron comes with two batteries and three powertrain choices. The Q8 50 E-Tron and Sportback models have two motors creating 335 horsepower (250 kilowatts) in Boost mode and 490 pound-feet (664 Newton-meters).
These models use an 89 kilowatt-hour (95 kWh gross) battery with an estimated range of 305 miles (491 kilometers) for the standard models and 314 miles (505 kilometers) for the Sportback on the WLTP cycle.
The Q8 55 E-Tron and Sportback models generate 402 hp (300 kW) in Boost mode and 490 lb-ft. These use a 104 kWh (114 kWh gross) battery, delivering 362 miles (582 kilometers) for the standard model and 373 miles (600 kilometers) for the Sportback.
Lastly, the SQ8 E-Tron and its Sportback model have three electric machines – one on the front and two at the back axle, yielding a solid 496 hp (370 kW) and 718 lb-ft (973 Nm). These models also come with a 104-kWh battery, offering 267 miles (494 kilometers) for the boxy model. The Sportback can run all the way to complete 319 miles (513 kilometers) before a recharge.
Coming to the performance figures of different variants, the E-Tron 50 models accelerate to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 6.0 seconds. The 55 variants drop that time to 5.6 seconds, while the SQ8 E-Tron is the fastest of all at 4.5 seconds.
Both the 50 and 55 versions come with a maximum top speed of 124 mph (200-kph). The SQ8 is again the fastest of all, with a limited top speed of 131 mph (210 kph).
Here’s the table showing power and performance figures:
|
Model |
Q8 50 E-Tron |
Q8 55 E-Tron |
SQ8 E-Tron |
|
Horsepower |
335 hp |
402 hp |
496 hp |
|
Torque |
490 lb-ft |
490 lb-ft |
718 lb-ft |
|
0-62 MPH Acceleration |
6.0 seconds |
5.6 seconds |
4.5 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
124 mph |
124 mph |
131 mph |
|
Battery Capacity (Net) |
89 kWh |
104 kWh |
104 kWh |
|
Range |
305 miles / 314 miles Sportback |
362 miles / 373 miles Sportback |
267 miles / 319 miles Sportback |
Charging
The new Q8 50 E-Tron variants have the capability to endure 150 kW DC fast charging. The 55 and SQ8 models can charge at up to 170 kW, enabling these vehicles to add 261 miles (420 kilometers) in just about 30 minutes. Home charging on AC power is available at 11 kW or 22-kW, which is optional.
Regarding drive comfort, the new EV from Audi has an air suspension, allowing the driver to alter the height of the vehicle by 2.992 inches (76 millimeters). The steering ratio has also been altered for swifter response at turns.
Interior
As we enter inside, we find lots of displays; the first one is the digital instrument cluster and then the most impressive 10.1-inch infotainment display along with an 8.6-inch diagonal screen to manage the HVAC. A heads-up display is available, and so are the rear-facing side cameras in place of mirrors (in select markets). The video feed of the cameras is visible through displays fixed at each corner of the cabin.
Besides, buyers can benefit from a panoramic glass roof with blackout sunshades, two-zone automatic climate control (upgradable to a four-zone system), and massaging front seats.
The Q8 E-Tron will receive net-carbon-neutral accreditation in Europe and the US. The compartment employs recycled stuff for the insulation, sound damping, and carpeting. The adornment over the center-stack screen partly originates from PET bottles.
The Q8 E-Tron has a wide range of driver assistance features, comprising a new remote parking system. Lots of features are controllable through the Audi smartphone app.
The Q8 E-Tron and Sportback models will hit European roads first in February next year, wearing a starting price tag of €74,400. The US launch will happen in April, and pricing will be revealed before the on-sale date.
Source and Images: Motor1